Police chief pays tribute to Ian Dibell

The Chief Constable of Essex Police has paid tribute to the officer who was shot dead in Clacton on Monday.

Jim Barker-McCardle was speaking after visiting members of Pc Ian Dibell's family.

He said:

"I have, yesterday afternoon, visited Pc Ian Dibell’s family and loved ones to personally offer them my condolences and express the support of everyone at Essex Police during this very difficult time.

"Since Ian’s murder, we have heard from fellow officers and staff how loved and respected our fallen colleague was. He was personable, charming, always immaculately dressed and very popular with his colleagues.

"Ian was a very experienced and highly-regarded neighbourhood policing officer well-known in the Clacton community that he had served since 2009. For the eight years prior to this, Ian had worked as both a Neighbourhood and Response officer based in Colchester.

"Ian was an extraordinary man doing an extraordinary job. He was proud of his family’s police service, proud to be an Essex Police officer and proud to serve the community in which he lived.

"Ian’s tragic death reminds us all that it’s not the uniform that makes a police officer but the instinctive, brave and selfless help to others.

"I have no doubt that Ian knew of the danger he was facing when he stepped in to protect a member of the public whilst off duty and without any thought for his own safety. He had an incredible devotion to his community – a devotion which led to his paying the ultimate price.

"We have received so many messages of condolence and support from across the country. I have passed these on to Ian’s family, whose sense of loss is beyond description.

"Essex Police is a family and we are all hurting and grieving. This tragedy is a stark and profound reminder that, ultimately, officers give their lives in the service of others.”